Chapter 3: Heart of a Warrior
“Well, here we are. The township of Hashtar. I'll bring you to see my friend Alistair, he's one of the rebel leaders. Considering what you said about your father, you don't have to worry about being used as a hostage. I'm sure if anyone can get you across the warring boarder, he and his people can.” The young merchant spoke as the caravan came to a stop. The town looked rather small and impoverished. Camio hopped off of the coach seat, followed by his Riolu and Combusken. Looking at the run-down shacks that people lived in, he could see why his father's own people would want to stand against him. His father had been raising taxes to continue the war effort and soldiers would raid these towns for any supplies they wanted. All Camio could do was look around with a confused gaze.
The young merchant tapped Camio on the shoulder, reclaiming the boy's attention. “I'm sure this is quite a shock to see when you've lived your life in what many would consider to be luxury. Come, let's go talk to Alistair.”. Camio took in a deep breath before turning to follow the merchant into a run-down looking tavern.
The air inside stank of cheap ale and body odor. Camio quickly lifted the collar of his shirt up to cover his nose. Even his two Pokemon companions found the air noxious and covered their noses with their paws. The female waitstaff were dressed in low-cut brown serving dresses while many of the round wood tables were filled with young and old men drinking to forget the misery they endured.
In a shadowed corner sat a man dressed in a black hooded cloak. The table he sat at had no one else, but one empty chair on the opposite side of the table. The young merchant sat down and spoke in whispers with the man. After what seemed like only a few short minutes, the cloaked man stood and approached Camio. “Come with me. We've much to speak of, but none of it here.” The man spoke in a quiet tone of voice, his hand pushing on Camio's upper back.
Camio was a bit hesitant, but only for a second. He still had the protection of Lilly and Flare should he be placed in danger. Camio followed the man out of the tavern and through the town, his two Pokémon following close behind. Upon coming to a tall and very thick tree, the stranger knocked four times on the bark. The tree was as wide and thick as a small house and taller than any tree he had seen before.
A hidden door opened, and Camio swiftly followed the man inside. The entire inside of the tree was hollowed out into a multi-floored tower. Everything inside was made from the wood of the very tree they were inside. The cloaked man removed his hood, his messy, curly black hair falling to his shoulders.
“From what I hear, the great King Simon must be becoming ever more a tyrant if his own son flees from him. A blessing for us all in fact. You may call me Warden. Alistair is training new recruits at the moment, but we shall see what we can do to get you to your uncle. Any information you can provide us and your uncle when you arrive to him will prove invaluable in helping us all stop his madness.” the man spoke as looked at Camio's face.
Camio gave a nod to Warden's words. He did feel a bit conflicted. People died in wars, and quite often wars came to their ends when the leader of an opposing nation was killed. However, throughout the years Camio had seen his father's treatment of Pokémon and of his own people worsen. Simon was being corrupted by power. While he had his fatherly moments, the truth of the matter couldn't be dismissed.
“I want to see him defeated. If possible, I'd prefer he be captured and imprisoned. He does still have some good in him. But if it comes down to it, I will understand and accept it if death is the only result.” Camio replied before taking another deep breath. Reaching over with his right hand, Camio stroked Lilly's head and ears gently. It was more an effort to get over the gravity of everything than a simple show of affection.
“I see. You are a more mature young man than most to be able to admit such a thing.” Warden spoke . As he talked to the boy, a man dressed in pitch black metal armor walked up the stairs. The man had no helmet on, letting his fair-skinned fair and short, military like cut brown hair be visible. Warden cocked his head to the side to see who it was before then looking back to Camio, taking a few steps back.
“And here is the man of the hour. This is Alistair, our leader. Sir, this here is Prince Camio, a son of King Simon who has decided to take up arms against his own father.” Warden spoke before turning to fully face the black knight Alistair. Alistair looked upon the young boy with a cold gaze from his blue eyes that seemed to pierce through Camio's soul as if trying to read into the boy's thoughts.
“I see. Please, leave us.” Alistair spoke in a calm tone of voice. With a bow of his head, the cloaked man left the tree hideout and headed back to the tavern. The armored knight walked closer to Camio, but Camio did not move. “You are a brave lad to seek us out.” Alistair spoke. Camio shook his head a bit.
“I am hardly brave. My Pokémon are the ones who helped defend the caravan against a group of bandits, and I fled the castle with them in order to protect them from being killed. My father has gone mad with power. Even now I feel he seeks my death because I defied him, because I refused to be the son he wishes me to be. Even now I seek to reach my Uncle to help bring this war to an end so no one else has to die, human or Pokémon.” Camio spoke with a calm tone of voice.
“You are braver than you may think. True heroes don't march into battle for honor and glory. They fight for the sake of others. You stood up to the most powerful man in this country and defied him, even if it was by running from him. I overheard some of your conversation with Warden and you have a sharper head on your shoulders than you give yourself credit for.” Alistair replied before sitting himself down at the table by the wall candle.
“So, have you ever had to fight before? To reach the other land where your uncle rules, you'll have to go through a war zone. There's no way around that part.” Alistair asked, resting back a bit in the chair. Camio closed his eyes for a brief moment.
“I've learned how to command my Pokémon to fight. I've been taught some basics in using a sword, but I've never willingly taken someone's life.” Camio admitted. It was true, he didn't intend for the knight that pursued him to plunge to his death. Still it didn't change the fact that the deed was still done, accidental or not.
“Never willingly you say? But I would admit by that phrase you probably have killed someone. Am I right?” Alistair asked. Camio gave a solemn nod of his head. “One knight chased me to the edge of a cliff and tried to kill Lilly, my Riolu. I ran right into his leg, but instead of falling backwards, he fell over me and off the cliff.” Camio admitted. The young man's face looked pained in recalling the event.
Alistair placed his gloved hand on the boy's shoulder. “It's never easy coming to terms with having to take the lives of others. Your father has caused a great number of lives to end because of this war that he started. But it doesn't make the facts any easier to grasp, especially for a young boy like you. But, if freedom and peace are ever to emerge again, this war must be fought and won. Freedom always comes at the cost of blood.” he spoke before standing up.
“The way I see it, you have three options. The first is your original plan, try and get across the war zone and seek aid from your uncle. No doubt he will benefit from your help if you survive the crossing. The second is to keep running and hiding while the war goes on, pray for the best. Your third option would be to join us and help us by facing your father's forces. You know the military and the castle better than anyone else. In any case, you will have to learn how to fight. Really fight, not slap swords around until someone tells you to stop and tells you you've done a good job. I can help you there if you wish. In the end, the choice is yours.” Alistair spoke as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Camio closed his eyes once more as he thought things over. There was no doubt that regardless which route he chose, he would have to fight. Crossing the war lines was the most dangerous. Simply running and hiding would accomplish nothing. For him, the best option would be to join the resistance. Camio opened his eyes and looked up at Alistair. “Very well. I'll join your rebellion. Even if I were to make it past the war zone, my uncle's forces would still have to find a way over here to be of any real help, and father's troops will be less prepared for an attack from his own country.”
Alistair smiled and gave a nod to the young boy's decision. “Well, you are a smart one, no doubt. However, do not think for a second that I'll give you or your Pokémon partners any special treatment. I put my trainees through hell, and you will receive the same as them. We don't exactly have years to train, and like you said, the sooner this war is over with, the better.” the knight spoke before motioning for the boy to follow. “Now, come with me. I'll show you to your room. Also, tell no one your name. Your intentions are noble and your heart is good, but to some who have lost their families to this war, they may not care about any of that and they may seek your life in retribution.” Alistair warned.
Camio, Lilly and Flare followed the black knight up to the fourth floor of the hideout. There were sleeping bags everywhere, but they were all neatly arranged. “Go and set your stuff down and grab a sleeping bag from the box over in the corner. Make sure you lay yours out neat and orderly. A disciplined way of life is the best way to keep the mind sharp and focused in every aspect. After that, go down to the kitchen and help the cook. Once dinner is done, get some sleep. Tomorrow starts your training and you'll need every ounce of energy you can muster.”
“Yes sir.” Camio spoke in a military tone of voice. He headed over to the box to take out a sleeping bag of his own. Even though he already had one in his backpack, he knew there was a reason for it. After all, his sleeping bag that he had bought from the merchant along with his clothing was clean and comfortable. However, he needed to do away with creature comforts. He needed to 'lower' himself to the level of everyone else.
After a long night of cooking, pot washing and sleeping, the day saw Camio, Lilly and Flare up before sunrise with the sound of a constantly ringing cowbell. Camio jumped to his feet along with his groggy Riolu and Combusken. Around him were the other recruits. Ringing the bell was Alistair, dressed in his heavy black armor. “Everyone down to the training room for your morning exercise! Hop to it!” Alistair called out like an angry drill sergeant.
All of the trainees including Camio were still in their skivvies as they rushed down to the basement floor of the hideout. Lilly and Flare kept close to Camio. Once they reached the basement, they all formed a military rank and file. All humans were in the front and all Pokémon were lined up along the back rows. Camio managed to find a spot in the last row of human trainees and stood like everyone else did. Alistair stepped in front of the group.
“New recruit, come forward.” Alistair spoke, eying Camio. The young boy stepped out of the formation and stood before him just as he stood when he was in the formation. “Turn around and state your name.” He spoke, listening to see if what he told the boy the night before actually sank in.
“My name is Vincent.” Camio announced to the group. Alistair gave a slight nod of approval. Taking an alias was the smart thing to do. The knight looked to the group.
“This young man, like all of you, decided to fight against the tyrant that has ruined our lives. Like all of you he has a past that is best left in the past. This is your new brother, your new comrade. We are bound by the single purpose of freedom, and we now have a means to strike the enemy at it's weakest and most critical point. But before we can, you must all be ready. This month, your training will be the most rigorous yet. If you don't pay attention, if you are not focused, you may end up dead. Now then, let us begin!” Alistair commanded.
The morning exercise was indeed grueling, though it was even more so for Camio. While everyone else had to do push-ups, Camio had the added weight of Alistair's iron clad boot on his back, applying more difficulty for the boy to overcome. When everyone had to do sit-ups, the boot was planted on Camio's chest, pushing the boy down as he kept trying to perform a sit-up. When the group had to run laps around the room, Alistair made Camio wear an armor chest piece. By the time the session was ended, Camio was gasping for air as he forced himself to stand at attention with the rest of the formation.
“Good work everyone. Now go wash yourselves at the hot spring, put on your clothes and get some breakfast.” Alistair commanded. The group headed up towards their sleeping room to grab their clothing. Camio walked as best he could to reach the stairs.
“Not too shabby for your first taste of real exercise. I doubted you'd last this long. You're will is impressive. Now it just needs to be tempered like a slab of steel on a smith's anvil. Just remember, this is just the beginning.” Alistair said after everyone but Camio had left the room. Camio gave a nod and forced himself up the stairs to the sleeping chamber.
After a very refreshing bath, a change of clothes and a hot bowl of oatmeal and pecha berries in his belly, Camio returned to the training room, ready for more training. Alistair had two sets of leather armor and two wooden bamboo swords. Alistair grabbed one leather suit and tossed it to Camio. “Put that on and take one of the swords. Everyone else, form a line. I want everyone to put their best into these fights Everyone will get to take a crack at the new kid and show him how to fight. As for the Pokémon, you all do the same with the new Riolu and Combusken.” the knight ordered.
Camio took one of the wooden bamboo swords and readied himself. This seemed like insanity. Thirty-four kids he was going to have to fight against. Camio gripped the sword with both hands, holding it before him and close to his body. At the very least he knew how to fight defensively.
The first of the trainees to step up began attacking fiercely and quickly. Camio barely managed to block the attacks, but ended up getting nailed in the left arm and the stomach before then being hit over the head. At the very least, the leather helm absorbed the bulk of the strike, but it still knocked him down.
“Solid defenses, but defense only won't work. You need to hit your opponent kid.” Alistair chided as the young boy stood right back up. The first half-dozen fights were pretty one-sided with Camio receiving a bulky amount of pain. However, as the fights drew on, his skills began to develop. By the end of the torturous training, Camio had managed to beat the last twelve combatants. Camio managed to keep himself standing despite all of the bruises he suffered over his body.
His Pokémon were just as beat and sore from their ordeal. While they had fewer fights, each one of the Pokémon they had to fight against were even more skilled than the bandits they had fought off days ago. Alistair looked over to a Dragonite that had entered the room from the floor above. “Alright, time for one more battle. Camio, you are going to fight me. Your Pokémon partners are going to fight Sapphira here.” Alistair spoke as he grabbed the bamboo sword from the last combatant Camio faced. The Dragonite stood over at the other side of the room beckoning for the Riolu and Combusken to attack.
Camio and Alistair circled each other. Alistair had his sword held in the same defensive manner that Camio started out with. Camio quickly hopped forward with a jab, hopped back and then quickly forward again with a side slash to the upper left arm. Alistair lightly batted the thrust attack away, then swung the sword hard to intercept Camio's attack and strike the boy's right arm. Camio barely managed to hang onto the blade as pain wracked his entire arm from the sting. Alistair then charged and began striking at Camio relentlessly. Camio blocked as many attacks as he could, but each time he tried to counter, Alistair bashed him either with the sword or with his armored shoulder.
Things fared no better for Lilly and Flare. The Dragonite was able to shrug off their assaults, blasting back with Aqua Tail, Twister and Aerial Ace. Flare was taking the brunt of the punishment, barely able to stand after being nailed with a full-strength Aqua Tail. As the Dragonite flew in for the finisher with Aerial Ace, Lilly lunged in to take the hit. The blow slammed the Riolu hard into the wall. Getting back to her feet, Lilly charged again, trying to land a flurry of Force Palm attacks. Each time, however, she was struck with Aqua Tail or Twister.
In one final charge, Lilly's body began to glow. As she came out of her charge, the now fully evolved Lucario began throwing down on the Dragonite with a flurry of Close Combat and Ice Punch. This new-found strength and variety of moves began to inflict some pain upon the dragon. However, the Dragonite was still much stronger. In one final attack, the Dragonite dodged Lilly's Ice Punch and struck hard with Aerial Ace, sending the Lucario into the Combusken, fainting them both.
Alistair had knocked Camio down onto his face with a flurry of well placed strikes. As the knight used his foot to roll Camio onto his back, Camio swung hard upwards to catch Alistair in the cheek, causing a gash across the skin. Alistair took a step back from the attack, giving Camio time to get to his feet and launch a ferocious flurry of attacks. However, Alistair's bamboo sword and plate armor caught each attack until the knight finally decided to end the fight with a crack across the side of Camio's leather-armored head, a strike to the back of his knee, and a swift boot to his chest.
Alistair stood above the barely conscious Camio and gave a slight smile. “You have quite a bit of potential. That's the first time anyone's been able to wound me, and with a wooden weapon no less.” Alistair spoke before motioning for the closest two trainees to come to him. “Bring the lad to the infirmary, along with his Pokémon partners. Then come back down here and we will all resume training.”
